For 75 years, glazing contractors have counted on Tubelite’s dependable service, fabrication and distribution of architectural aluminum products. Part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., the company is an industry leader in eco-efficient storefront, curtainwall and entrance systems, and recognized for its fast, reliable and consistent delivery.
“We’re proud to be known as one of the industry’s premier architectural aluminum manufacturers specializing in pre-engineered aluminum framing systems,” said Steve Green, Tubelite’s president. “Each of our products is manufactured to meet the project’s aesthetic, performance and environmental goals. They also are manufactured for easy fabrication and installation to meet timeline and budget constraints.”
Tubelite was founded in 1945 by James T. Miller. The name “Tubelite” was coined to represent the tubes of aluminum and lites of glass. After five successful years working from a 50-by-60-feet alley-front building, Miller moved the company’s operations to a new, small building in Reed City, Michigan. The building has been added to more than 20 times since 1949, and continues to serve as Tubelite’s aluminum extrusion operation.
In 2003, Tubelite opened an additional location in Walker, Michigan for assembly, warehouse and distribution operations. Three years later, this became the company’s corporate office with added fabrication capabilities. Tubelite’s Dallas location, opened in 2013, provides additional fabrication, warehouse and shipping operations. The company also has an office in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Tubelite’s products and expertise have contributed to thousands of building projects across the United States. A few notable examples through the decades include:
- 1950-60s Miller Airport auditorium entrance, the Holland Ford dealership, and the Big Dutchman Co. in Michigan
- 1970-80s World Trade Center in Norfolk, Virginia; 388 Market St. in San Francisco; Sun Healthcare in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida
- 1990s NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis; Crown Cork & Seal near Philadelphia; The Colonnade in Memphis; Core Center in Chicago
- 2000-10s Kress Event Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin; Steel Stacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Irene Hernandez Middle School in Chicago; Air Academy Federal Credit Union in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center in Arlington, Texas
To learn more about Tubelite’s 75-year history, please visit https://www.tubeliteinc.com/history/.